Puppy Resources - sfahnyc.com

Puppy
Resources

If you’ve recently adopted a puppy—or are considering it—we understand there’s a lot to think about to ensure your new family member settles in smoothly. At St.Francis Animal Hospital Brooklyn, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from vaccinations and general healthcare to tips on socialization and basic house training.

Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from new puppy guardians. We look forward to meeting you and helping your puppy thrive!

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We can help you with:

Vaccination schedules to protect against common diseases

Nutrition guidance for healthy growth and development

House training tips to make the process easier for you and your pup

Socialization strategies to ensure your puppy grows into a friendly, confident adult dog

Parasite prevention to keep your puppy safe from fleas, ticks, and worms

Teething and chewing solutions to protect your home and help your puppy develop healthy teeth

Most Frequently Asked Puppy Questions

When should my puppy get their first vaccines?

Puppies usually start their vaccinations between 8-12 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks old. Your veterinarian will provide a schedule tailored to your puppy.

How often should my puppy visit the vet?

In the first year, your puppy will have several vet visits for vaccinations, deworming, and wellness checks. After that, most healthy dogs see the vet once or twice a year.

What should I feed my puppy?

Choose a high-quality puppy food formulated for growth. Puppies need more calories, protein, and nutrients than adult dogs. Ask your vet for brand recommendations based on your puppy’s breed and size.

When can my puppy go outside?

Puppies should only go outside after the final round of boosters.
Exception: they can go outside earlier if there’s a fenced backyard with zero chance of outside dog contact.

How do I start house training?

Establish a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks, reward your puppy for going outside, and supervise closely indoors. Patience and consistency are key.

When should I start socializing my puppy?

Socialization should begin as early as possible, ideally before 16 weeks of age. Introduce your puppy to different people, gentle dogs, and environments in a safe, positive way.

Should I spay or neuter my puppy?

Our veterinarians recommend waiting until your pet is fully developed for the best long-term health outcomes.
Females: After their second heat cycle
Males: Around 18 months to 2 years of age
This timing helps support proper growth, joint health, and hormone balance while still providing the lifelong benefits of spaying and neutering. Your vet can advise the best timing for your pet.

How do I deal with chewing and biting?

Provide safe chew toys, redirect unwanted chewing, and never use hands as toys. Puppies explore with their mouths, but they can learn gentle play with proper training.

How much exercise does my puppy need?

Exercise needs vary by breed and age, but most puppies benefit from short, frequent play sessions rather than long walks. Avoid overexercising growing joints.

What training should I focus on first?

Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leash manners. Positive reinforcement works best. Short, fun sessions help puppies stay engaged.

Puppy Vaccine Schedule

At St.Francis Animal Hospital Brooklyn, we want to give your puppy the healthiest start in life.
Puppies typically begin vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age and receive boosters every 2–4 weeks until they are 16–20 weeks old.

The vaccines your puppy receives will depend on their breed, environment, and lifestyle—for example, whether they’ll be socializing with other dogs, traveling, or spending time outdoors.

Important: Your puppy is not fully protected from serious illnesses like Parvovirus and Distemper Virus until they have completed their vaccine series after 16 weeks. Until then, avoid high-risk areas such as dog parks, pet stores, and places with unknown dogs.

Puppy Vaccine Timeline

Age 8–12 Weeks	Age 12–16 Weeks	Age 16–20 Weeks	Age 20–24 Weeks
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)	DHPP Booster	DHPP Booster	± Lyme Disease Vaccine Booster
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)	Bordetella (Second Dose)	Leptospirosis Booster	± Canine Influenza Vaccine Booster
	Rabies (required by law in NYC)	± Lyme Disease Vaccine (based on lifestyle risk)
	Leptospirosis (Lepto)	± Canine Influenza Vaccine (CIV)

Book an appointment

At St.Francis Animal Hospital, we provide compassionate, lifelong care for your pets in Brooklyn and surrounding areas. Call or text us today to book your visit!

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Have a question?

Have a question? Fill out our quick online form and we’ll be happy to get back to you as soon as possible.

7303 13th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11228

Phone: (718) 621-1629

Monday : 10 AM–5 PM
Tuesday : 10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday : Closed
Thursday : 10 AM–3 PM
Friday : 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday : 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday : 9 AM–2 PM

PuppyResources